Former Nigeria  goalkeeper and captain, Peter Rufai, also known as Dodo Mayana, dies on July 3 2025 in his Idimu-Lagos home, according to his close associates.

Rufai, who spent his career manning posts for clubs in Nigeria, Benin Republic, Belgium, Holland and Spain, reportedly died from a protracted illness, which kept him out of work and from the public scenefor a while. His associates said the former Super Eagles stalwart, who starred for Nigeria in several competitions died about 6.00 a.m. on Thursday July 3.

Rufai played for Nigeria in two World Cups and as many Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, winning one of the highlights of his over 20-year impeccable career being the triumph at the 1994 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia— the second ever African Cup of Nations trophy for the Super Eagles after they won in 1980 before the final one in 2013 so far.

Born in Lagos, Rufai started his career with Stationery Stores F.C. and also played for Femo Scorpions, before moving to Benin Republic in 1986 play for AS Dragons FC de l’Ouémé.

He also spent six years in Belgium, where he played for K.S.C. LokerenOost-Vlaanderen and K.S.K. Beveren. After his peri with Beveren, Rufai joined Dutch side, Go Ahead Eagles in the 1993–94 season before transferring to Portugal in 1994 with S.C. Farense. In his first year, he was instrumental as the Algarve side only conceded 38 goals in 34 matches, qualifying to the UEFA Cup for the first time ever.

His amazing performances earned him a transfer to La Liga, where he played for HérculesCF and Deportivo de La Coruñabefore returning to Portugal with modest Gil Vicente FC.

The former Super Eagles captain, who established a football academy on retirement and return to Nigeria, was also into sports marketing business, representing several brands.

One of his children, Senbaty, who also played football, but as a midfielder, once appeared for Sunshine Stars of Akure in the Nigeria Premier League.